Ensign Peak

So Friday we were up in Salt Lake for eye appointments and we took advantage of being in that area to use one more coupon from our Adventure coupon book from Santa. We hiked Ensign Peak. It was the middle of the day and quite hot and dry, but the hike was not bad at all. 

 The kids are great hikers and had no trouble at all/ It was wonderful to get tot he top. The only problem was there was so much smoke in the air that we couldn't see too far into the valley. We could barely make out Temple Square thanks to the shining tabernacle roof.

 I hadn't realized there was a monument up there. I should have known. There was also a plaque describing when Brigham Young and a few others hiked this peak days after entering the valley.

It has been a great year, going new places and trying new things with the kids, and we still have a few couons left in our book!

More of Maine: Watching for Whales

Four years ago when we were in Maine we took the big kids on a whale watch. I really wanted the younger kids to have this experience, so while in Maine Brian and I took the kids on a whale watch out of Portland. (Just to be up front: I didn't like this whale watch as much as the one four years ago. The boat was significantly smaller and harder to move around on. And it did take us a lot longer to start seeing things. I realize this is not the fault of the company running the whale watch. That said, my goal was for my kids to see a whale, and hopefully close enough that my girls could really KNOW that they saw a whale.)

Before the boat ride had actually begun.

This is Spring Point Ledge Light in South Portland. We walked this breakwater later in the vacation, and it was cool to see it from the other side.

This is hard to see, but it is an ocean sunfish. Its fin is sticking out of the water a bit. Brian could see it really well because he had on polarized sunglasses at the time. Apparently it is a rare sighting.

I loved being on the ocean. Being on a boat is so peaceful, and even though it was a gray day and we got rained on for a bit I loved enjoying this favorite part of Maine.

We finally saw a whale and it was fairly close to our boat. It was a Minke whale and it came back over and over again. These are a few of my favorite pictures showing as it comes to the surface and then back down.

The kids had a great time. I was so pleased that we saw whales.

It was fun to see Portland HEadlight from a different vantage point. We saw the light flashing because of the foggy weather. 

This certainly was another great adventure from our trip!

Pemaquid Point

We spent the most wonderful two weeks in Maine. It was such a blessing to have so much time with family. We got to spend a lot of time with my parents, my sister and her kids. My kids loved being with their cousins. We haven't seen them since last August, but that never seems to bother the kids. They instantly become the best of friends when we are together.

Along with many adventures with our extended family, we also had a few adventures with just our crew. It was really wonderful to build these memories together. WE went to one of my favorite places, Pemaquid POint. I took Brian here right after we got married, but haven't been back since then. This day, we got to go to the top of the light house. I have never done that before.

 The kids loved hiking around on the rocks. Mike was especially good at taking the lead and scaring his mom.

 Looking in tide pools

 hiding in a "cave"

 I loved sitting on the rocks, watching the waves roll in and out and watching my family having so much fun climbing all over the place. It was a very happy and peaceful moment.

 The kids liked being on top of this very big rock.

 They didn't ever want to stop hiking around, so we came out to the very edge of where we could go (safely). The lighthouse was a long way back and the kids kept saying we were on the edge of Maine. 

It was a beautiful and wonderful day!

Missing my kids

So I have been at Young Womens' camp with the girls at church since Tuesday. The adventures of the week deserve their own post which may or may not happen on this blog, but I wanted to blog about my coming home.

I was so excited to see Brian today. I always do better when we are together. Also, the kids have been with their Grandma and Grandpa for a week. How grateful I am that they are willing to help, and they also plan so many fun things. I have been hearing about their adventures non stop since they got home.

The main purpose of this post is to share something sweet that my Liz wrote for me. She made me a wonderful little book, wrapped it up so cute and tied it with a red ribbon. She even did the curly trick that I do with scissors and curling ribbon. The last page of the book said this:

The Joy of a Mother

The joy of a mother is your always there.
The joy of a mother is of me you care.
The joy of a mother is your big warm hug.
The joy of a mother is like a big soft rug.
The joy of a mother is you help me out.
The joy of a mother is your never to loud.
The joy of a mother I want you to know.
The joy of a mother I LOVE YOU SO!

This from the wonderful young lady who made matching bracelets so that we can each wear one throughout our week away and not forget each other. Needless to say, that tears that have been close to the surface all week flowed pretty freely.

Oh, I love having my kids home.

Pride and Prejudice

It wasn't until about 4 years ago that I was finally able to get through Pride and Prejudice. I have  seen snippets of the movie, but had never sat through all of that either. But once I finally read it, I was hooked, and I rewarded myself by enjoying all five hours of the A&E version of the movie. I think it would be safe to say that since that time I have been pretty hooked.

Not too long after that I found a Regency dress pattern and also a place that does bonnets. I bought the pattern then, but never could get up the courage to make a dress (I am not much of a seamstress) but this year I asked my friend to help me out and she did a beautiful job. (the only adjustment to the pattern was to the neckline. Now it is much more appropriate.) I love the dress. I feel so fancy when I wear it and I kind of feel like I just stepped out of Regency England. 


Another sweet friend helped me out by doing my hair and taking picture for me. She does an amazing job. And here are a few that I love. Looking at them I feel like I am exploring the grounds at Pemberley.

Brian may think I am weird, but he hasn't said it out loud. He may start to vocalize it if I start wearing my dress every time I watch an Austen movie though.

Feeling Grateful

This past weekend was a big one. Michael was baptized. This is a big deal for us as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And it was extra special because Michael got to share his special day with so many family members and many friends who were able to attend.

Watching my third child decide to follow Jesus Christ in this way filled my heart to overflowing with joy. Looking back I don't remember much of how I felt the day I was baptized, but I bet it was similar to the excitement and enthusiasm Mike had in his face, eyes, and heart. He was so excited his walk had a little bounce in it. But now that I am the mom I have the added benefit of a little more experience. I realize that all of the best things in my life can be traced back to my baptism, and to my efforts since that time to live what I believe. I know that Michael is on the right path for a life of joy and happiness despite challenges that might come. What more could a mom want for her children?

Mike is such a wonderful boy. He has a strong desire to do what is right and he loves to learn about the scriptures and about Jesus Christ. For me, Mike is a perfect example of why Christ has commanded us to become as little children. I learn so much from him each day.